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Switzerland

Splendors of Switzerland by Rail

Program No. 15879RJ
Discover museums, villages, waterways and culture as you explore the Swiss Alps by rail, winding through some of Europe's most iconic and photograph-worthy landscapes.
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Train Treks
Length
16 days
Rating (4.85)
Activity Level
Starts at
7,749
Flights start at
1,000

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
33 meals ( 14B, 11L, 8D )
7 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Carrying luggage on/off train, and to hotel from train station. Two minute walk to hotel from train station.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will give lectures and lead field trips. Travel and transfers will be as noted below. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program will typically be a three-course set menu. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Before dinner, we will gather for a welcome drink.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a public bus; driving about 3 miles (5 km), approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles and standing up to 1.5 hours at a time; indoors, pavement, grounds.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will start the morning with an expert-led lecture introducing Switzerland’s geography and cultural regions. After a brief coffee break, we’ll continue with a second lecture focusing on the Swiss transportation system. We’ll then take public transportation to the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Lunch:
At the museum restaurant.
Afternoon:
The Swiss Museum of Transport, the most diverse museum in Europe focusing on transportation and communication, houses more than 3,000 items. Led by a member of the museum’s professional staff, our exploration will focus mainly on historic trains and the new trans-Alpine railway through the Gotthard. We will return to the hotel by public bus. Those who wish to stay out, explore, and return independently are welcome to do so.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Optional: We will gather together to watch the movie adaptation of one of the most iconic stories originating from Switzerland, “Heidi”. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train, cogwheel train, boat. Driving about 28 miles (45 km), approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 3 miles (5 km); pavement, cobble stones, gravel path.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll gather for an expert-led lecture on Swiss history and politics. Evidence of human activity in the region dates back over 250,000 years, but the unification of the territories that form modern Switzerland occurred much later. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna formally established Switzerland’s status as a permanently neutral state under international law. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a guided walking field trip through Lucerne’s old town. Highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, the renowned Jesuit Church, and the picturesque old town on both banks of the Reuss River.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll walk to the train station for an exciting field trip to Mount Rigi, traveling by train and Europe’s oldest cog railway, the Vitznau-Rigi line. Designed by the same Swiss engineer who built the Mount Washington cog railway in New Hampshire, this well-maintained route now features sleek, modern cars. At the summit, we’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views during a scenic walk. Our return journey begins with a cog railway ride down to Vitznau, where we’ll board a historic Lake Lucerne paddle steamer. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as we glide across the lake back to Lucerne.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a public bus, on/off a train; driving about 45 miles (70 km) throughout the day, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a boat. Walking about 1 mile (1.5 km); pavement. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Luggage transfer will be provided on this day, and you will not have access to your main luggage until you reach the next hotel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board a public bus, and set out on a field trip to the Lion Monument in Lucerne. We’ll then walk to the train station and take the Luzern-Interlaken Express train to Brienz, then board a boat to Interlaken via Brünig Pass and Lake Brienz.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat on Lake Brienz.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival in Interlaken, we will walk to the hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will have an opportunity to watch a movie about the Alps. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train and cogwheel train; riding about 30 miles (50 km)m approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles (3 km); pavement, uphill inclines; high altitude at Jungfraujoch.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the station, board the train, and ride to Grindelwald in the Jungfrau Region. Upon arrival, we will set out on a walking field trip to the local Grindelwald museum for an expert-led exploration. We will learn about life in a mountain village today and in former times.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Grindelwald.
Afternoon:
We will walk to the station, board the Jungfrau Railway, and ride to Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger Mountain in the Bernes Alps that rises more than 13,000 feet (nearly 4,000 meters). We will have opportunities to admire the mountains during a walk through the alpine meadows. There will be an opportunity for an elective visit to the Jungfraujoch observation deck at the top, at an altitude of 11,332 feet (3,454 meters). The Group Leader can assist in purchasing tickets. Or, relax with coffee on one of the restaurant terraces. We’ll then regroup at an announced time and place and take the Jungfrau Railway down to Lauterbrunnen in what has been called the “Swiss Yosemite Valley.” We will be able to see numerous waterfalls during our ride. In Lauterbrunnen, we will change trains and ride back to Interlaken.
Dinner:
On your own to explore regional cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding about 75 miles (120 km), approximately 2 hour riding time. Walking about 1.2 miles (2 km); cobblestones, pavement. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take the bus to the train station and board the Intercity train for a full-day field trip to Bern, Switzerland’s capital city. Even though Bern is the capital, it is small. The old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built into a bend of the Aare River and is well preserved. It still gives the impression of a town in the 17th century. A local expert will lead our exploration into the old part of the city, where we will see the Parliament building, the famous clock tower, and explore the Muenster (cathedral), one of the finest examples of Gothic art. We’ll then have some independent time to see more of Bern and stroll under the arcades.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like in Bern. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will regroup at an announced time and place for the train ride back to Interlaken.
Dinner:
Hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train and van; riding about 150 miles (240 km), approximately 5.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.3 miles (2km); curving road, pavement. Luggage will be transported to the hotel in Brig.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and take the bus to the train station to board the Golden Pass Express. As we ride to Zweisimmen, we’ll have opportunities to see delightful vistas of the Simmental and surrounding mountains. The train will stop and give us time for a field trip by van to an Alpine cheese dairy. We’ll see and learn how tasty Bernese Alpine cheese is made on a mountain farm.
Lunch:
At the Alp dairy, we’ll have some raclette, a Swiss cheese specialty.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the Golden Pass Express, we’ll ride from Zweisimmen to Montreux. This route offers great views of mountains, over the Rhone valley and Lake Geneva. It ends in Montreux on the banks of Lake Geneva where we will change to the Intercity-train. We’ll then ride through the lush Rhone Valley and Swiss wine country, passing the towns of Sion and Sierre to Brig. Upon arrival in Brig, we will walk to our hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train and underground funicular; riding about 55 miles (90 km), approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles (2.5 km); pavement.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll gather with a local expert for a lecture on the Alps and their history, culture, and challenges. We’ll then set out on an expert-led walking field trip to Stockalper Castle. Built in the 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper, the castle has an impressive courtyard, palace halls, chapel, and gardens. In the late morning, we will walk to the station, board a train, and begin our journey to Zermatt.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Zermatt.
Afternoon:
We will explore the car-free mountain village of Zermatt on foot, walking down streets and quaint cobbled alleyways where we will see ancient, sun-browned barns and traditional chalets. On a beautiful day, we will take the underground funicular from which you can admire the breathtaking panorama of a range of snowcapped high peaks, including the famous Matterhorn. If there is bad weather, we will continue our walking field trip in Zermatt. In late afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Brig and walk to our hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to sample local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding about 4 hours. Walking about 2.1 miles (3.5 km); cobblestones, pavement, grass. Luggage will be transported by bus to the hotel in Locarno.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will walk to the station and board the train to Bellinzona, capital of the Canton Ticino, the southernmost in Switzerland. Due to its geographical position, the town has been a strategic outpost since the Romans. In addition to its ancient history and heritage, Bellinzona is now a gateway to Italy from the north and to the Alps from the south.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will go on an expert-led walking field trip through Castelgrande — the big castle — and the Old Town. The three castles in Bellinzona are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The medieval town is very picturesque. In the late afternoon, we’ll board the train to Locarno and check in to our hotel upon arrival. Before dinner, we will get together for a lecture by a local expert on Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles (3.2 km); cobblestones, stairs; Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will set off on foot for an expert-led walking field trip in the old town of Locarno, we will see significant sites such as the Visconti castle, the main church San Antonio, and Piazza Grande, the large town square where the famed Locarno film festival takes place every year in early August.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like in Locarno. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Locarno. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a public bus, postal bus; driving about 40 miles (65 km), approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1 mile (1.6 km); cobblestones, stairs, pavement.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will walk with our Group Leader to the bus stop, board the postal bus — a modern public coach service — and ride into the Verzasca Valley, a remote and very typical mountain valley of Ticino. We will explore Sonogno, the highest village in the valley with archaic stone architecture. Next, we will explore the local museum of Verzasca Valley to learn about the history and culture of the valley and region. We will then take the postal bus back to Locarno.
Lunch:
At a typical Ticino restaurant in Sonogno.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board a motorcoach and ride back to Locarno. You may opt in to watch a movie about the Gotthard Base Tunnel, or take this time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train and cogwheel train; riding about 170 miles (270 km), approximately 5.5 total riding time. Walking about 1.3 mile (2 km); pavement. Our luggage will be transported for us.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
Early this morning after checking out of the hotel, we will walk to the station and board the Inter-Regional train that will take us from Locarno along the Leventina Valley towards the Gotthard massif. This famous railroad line is 130 years old and includes the 9-mile-long Gotthardtunnel and astonishing ramps with spiral tunnels to gain height on both sides. We will pass four of these “loops” near Biasca and the Piotta Canyon before passing through the old Gotthard-tunnel. Arriving at the northern tunnel portal in Goeschenen, we’ll leave the train and change to the narrow-gauge cog railway that climbs up the Schoellenen-gorge to Andermatt. There, we’ll board a first-class train that will take us along the Glacier Express route over Oberalp-Pass, along the Rhine, and through the Rhine Canyon. In Reichenau-Tamins, we will change to a beautiful dining car.
Lunch:
In the elegant dining car on the Rhaetische Bahn.
Afternoon:
The train will take us up to Berguen on the northern side of the Albula Pass. After the Albula tunnel, the view suddenly opens up to the wide Upper Engadine Valley. Upon arrival in St. Moritz, we will take a short walk along the fancy shopping street and check in to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like in St. Moritz.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train; riding about 50 miles (80 km), approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking about 3.5 miles (5.5 km); pavement. You will be responsible for transporting your own luggage on/off the train on this day.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will gather for our final lecture of the program to learn about the canton of Grisons, its fourth official language — Romansh — and more about Switzerland in general with Q&A. Next, we’ll take the train from St. Moritz to the village of Poschiavo in the Italian speaking part of the Grisons.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Poschiavo.
Afternoon:
We’ll set out on an expert-led walking field trip in Poschiavo. We will see the main piazza in Italian style with the medieval old town hall, the oratory Sant’Anna with its ossuary, and the Palazzi, a picturesque mid-19th century street of patrician villas. We’ll then take the scenic Bernina route back to St. Moritz. The Bernina route travels along the highest and one of the most scenic railroad lines in the world. It passes the Morteratsch Glacier very closely. The railroad masters gradients up to 70% without a rack-and-pinion system. We’ll have countless breathtaking vistas of high mountains, glaciers, and the Italian Alps.
Dinner:
Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner in the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off trains, local bus; driving about 130 miles (210 km), approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles (2.5 km). You will be responsible for transporting your own luggage on this day.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will walk to the station and board the train for our transfer to Zurich. with the Rhaetische Bahn, taking us back again on the Albula line — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with its spiral tunnels and spectacular turns over two 295-foot high viaducts and through gorges down to Chur. In Chur, we’ll change to the Intercity train to Zurich.
Lunch:
On the train, we’ll have packed lunches.
Afternoon:
We will take a local train to Zurich-Kloten. Upon arrival, we will walk to our hotel and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free to see and do more of what interests you in Zurich.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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